Nairobi City Performance, Brand Strength and Reputation

Nairobi, “the safari capital of Africa”: The short distance between business and biodiversity enhances the city’s unique selling proposition, as the Nairobi National Park sits just 10km from the city center. How will the increased efforts in Kenya’s tourism branding impact sustainability and environmental management, innovative measures, liveability and expat interest, and the economic performance of Nairobi?

Let’s explore deeper how Nairobi positions itself on the world stage, drawing insights from data provided by TPBO partners and other reputable institutions.

Let’s take a closer look at: 

• Nairobi’s competitiveness and financial performance
• Nairobi’s brand strength and global attractiveness
• Liveability: Nairobi’s appeal for digital nomads and locals

Nairobi’s competitiveness and financial performance

How attractive is Nairobi as a place to work and do business?

The Global Financial Centres Index 34 ranks Nairobi 90^th, jumping 13 positions from the previous ranking. It is currently sitting between Riga (89^th) and Cape Town (91^st). Nairobi holds the 12^th place in the Middle Eastern and African region.

According to 2thinknow’s Innovation Cities Index 2022-2023 Nairobi ranks 418^th, a drop of four positions from the previous ranking. The city now sits in between Beirut (417^th) and Surat (419^th).

Nairobi’s brand strength and global attractiveness

Which subfactors hurt and help the brand of Nairobi?

Kearney’s 2023 Global Cities Report ranks Nairobi 86^th, a drop of four positions compared to last years’ publication. Nairobi ranks 125^th for the Global Cities Outlook, a jump of two positions since the previous ranking.

According to Brand Finance’s City Index 2023, Nairobi ranks 94^th in the global ranking with a score of 55.1/100, sitting in between Rotterdam (44^th) and Aukland (46^th).

Liveability: Nairobi’s appeal for digital nomads and locals

Which aspects of Nairobi’s urban living make it an attractive place to live, work and study?

The Mercer Quality of Living City Ranking places Nairobi 189^th, tying with Algiers. The Mercer Cost of Living Ranking ranks Nairobi 173^rd, a drop of 13 positions. It sits behind Bandar Seri Begawan (172^nd), and above Rabat (174^th). The cost living survey reports that factors such as currency fluctuations, cost inflation for goods and services, and instability of accommodation prices are key to determine the cost of expat packages for employees on international assignment.

The Arcadis Sustainability City Index 2022 ranks Nairobi 96th overall, sitting in between New Delhi (95^th) and Johannesburg (97^th). Nairobi’s pillar rankings are the following: Planet 82^nd, People 98^th, Profit 95^th.

Last updated in January 2024. More city benchmarking insights, profiles and reports in our City Observatory.

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